Television ratings would indicate that most NFL fans don’t care much about the Pro Bowl. NFL players, on the other hand, still hold value in playing well enough to earn a spot in the league’s annual all-star event.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson let USA TODAY Sports know he was not happy about missing out on the Pro Bowl for just the second time in his six-year career this season.
‘Oh, trust me, I was pissed off I wasn’t a Pro Bowler this year,’ Jefferson said. ‘Just with the (difficult) season and still having 1,000 yards, I always try to be consistent and in the Pro Bowls.’
The four-time Pro Bowler told USA TODAY Sports that his ultimate goal is to pass the Vikings’ franchise record for career Pro Bowl appearances by a single player. Right now, that mark is at eight, set by Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter between 1993 and 2000.
Jefferson pointed to Carter’s Pro Bowl record as a sign of prestige.
‘[A Pro Bowl selection] classifies you as one of the best in the league,’ Jefferson said. ‘So it’s definitely tough not being a part of that this year, but I’m determined. That gives me more juice to put that work in for me not to be in this situation next year.’
The two-time All-Pro receiver had the worst year of his career statistically in 2025, posting career-low marks in receiving yards (1,048), touchdowns (2) and yards per reception (12.5) despite playing in all 17 games. Jefferson’s second-worst statistical season was in 2023, the other year he missed the Pro Bowl, when he also missed seven games with a hamstring injury. That year, he still managed more yards and touchdowns on fewer catches.
This year’s initial Pro Bowl wide receiver selections in the NFC were Puka Nacua, George Pickens, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Since Smith-Njigba will play in Super Bowl 60, CeeDee Lamb has been announced as his replacement.
The Vikings did not have a single player named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster.
The 2026 Pro Bowl Games will air live on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 6:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The AFC vs. NFC flag football game will begin at 8 p.m. ET, also on ESPN.
